What to expect:

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy has not lost an Inter-Ac game since 2018. That pretty much sums up the expected dominance from the Blue Devils. The defending Inter-Ac and state champs only graduate four seniors as well. Experience should help lead to another piece of hardware in 2022. One of these returners is University of Maryland commit and 2021 Inter-Ac MVP, Lisa McIntyre. If Inter-Ac opponents devote too much attention to McIntyre, that will leave the door open for two other future division 1 midfielders. Mary Trudeau is committed to Morehead State University, and Bella Brown is committed to Binghamton University.

“She’s poised and ready to go,” said head coach Andrew Fraggos.

The attack for the Churchwomen looks a little bit different. Two sophomores will be shouldering a much larger role on offense in their second season. Forward Maya Bright is already on her way to a breakout season. During non-conference play, Bright tallied seven goals and one assist and will look to continue her dominance in the Inter-Ac.

Quinn Whitaker will be another important scorer for the Churchwomen coming off a freshman year where she earned second-team all Inter-Ac honors. However, she is currently sidelined with an injury and is eyeing a return in October.

“This year's squad is filled with talent and best of all, they're a humble group that cares more about the team's goals than their own. It should be a special season,” said Fraggos.

Next up, Episcopal takes Radnor High School on Friday for a non-conference matchup.

Last season, they were the clear No. 2 team behind Springside Chestnut Hill, and lost to the Blue Devils in the PAISAA state championship game. The key piece for the Irish is Audrey Cain. Cain was first team all Inter-Ac last season and is committed to play soccer at Rutgers.

In goal is Sophia Hall, a second team all Inter-Ac selection last season and someone who coach William Bradley said he “can count on to make a big save when needed.”

So far, the Irish are 4-2 in non-conference play and open up Inter-Ac competition against Baldwin on Friday.

Their head coach is Ashley Maher, who enters her 10th year at Penn Charter. She was the assistant coach for eight years followed by one year as the interim head coach. Now, she will bring experience and credibility to her team in her first year as head coach.

The Quakers are led by Junior midfielder Olivia Linus. Linus knows what it’s like to go up against high level competition that the Inter-Ac has to offer. She recently won the national championship with her club team, Coppa Rage. Another story line to follow involves Annie Maley and Haley Lewimski. Both players are coming off ACL injuries as they look to help Linus lead Penn Charter to success this season.

“We have some talented new players this year, so the challenge is to integrate them quickly,” said Welsh. “We feel we can have a much improved record this year and we're targeting a winning record.”

So far, the Owls are 3-1 with their only loss being against Springside Chestnut Hill earlier this week. One new player for the Owls this year is eighth grader Gabby Bongiorno. Yes, you read that right, eighth grader.

“[Bongiorno] can play in pretty much any offensive position,” Welsh added.

Another new face for the Owls is freshman Claire Ballinger who has been playing well as a defensive midfielder. Finally, the Owls were able to return their top goal scorer from last year, Lily Fusco as she will be the engine of the team on offense.

According to head coach Adrian Cox, a lot of new faces are poised to fill those roles.

“Culture never graduates so we will be relying on our team cohesion and togetherness as we develop our identity, improve our skills, and learn new roles and responsibilities,” said Cox.

Maddie Davis is one of those players that has taken on the scoring responsibilities. Davis moved from defense to offense this season and has contributed five goals and two assists in non-conference play. Another player is dynamic 8th grader, Makena Lee. Coach Cox has a lot of confidence in Lee’s bright future. However, she is already contributing with four goals and two assists in non-conference play. 

What to expect:

Germantown Academy is currently 2-3-1 on the season with a big 5-1 win in their season opener against Germantown friends. Now as they begin Inter-Ac play, the Patriots are 0-1 with a loss against a tough Episcopal Academy team. Senior Sage Battisto is one player to look out for this season. Battisto is one of two team captains alongside junior Elizabeth Scheid.

Next up, the Patriots take on Agnes Irwin this Friday.